Jeremy

Species: Brown Weeper Capuchins
DOBs: Jeremy – January 1, 1986 (former service monkey)
Guy – January 13 (year unknown, former pet)
Arrived at SPS: Jeremy – February 8, 2008 | Guy – August 30, 2000
Origin: Former human companions

Jeremy has light brown hair. Guy has darker hair on his head and his tongue protrudes. 

Jeremy and Guy are two elderly brown weeper capuchins who share a quiet enduring bond.  Jeremy was once trained as a “Helping Hands” monkey for human assistance, while Guy was raised as a pet. 

Jeremy, born in 1986, carries with him the history of a life shaped by service. As a former assistance monkey, he was trained to help people with disabilities, but the price of that role included the removal of some of his teeth to prevent biting. Now retired from that world, Jeremy moves with a gentle curiosity. His eyes are thoughtful, and he is always watching and seemingly noticing everything.  He is quietly playful and often interacts with visitors with his eyes.    

Guy’s exact age is unknown, but his wildness suggests a life that has seen much. He arrived at SPS in 2000 and was paired up with Jeremy.  He draws attention to himself by glaring at visitors and shaking his enclosure as if demanding their attention which he seems to get.  He tries to grab caregivers with his tail or hands, grab the spoon, bowl, shirt and once successful he holds on with a grip you can’t believe.  

His tiny skinny stature says nothing about the power in his hands and arms, a testament to how strong monkeys really are. He is the dominant of the two, often leading Jeremy into mischief and Jeremy willingly engages.  The two often mirror each other’s mood—whether resting quietly, engaging in play, grooming or attracting attention. 

One of their most intimate behaviors is reserved only for the caregivers they know and trust: a soft, rapid chattering sound made by flicking their tongues and gently smacking their lips. When they offer this greeting, it’s a rare and beautiful gesture of recognition. In capuchin language, it means, “We see you. You belong here.”

Though not quite as playful or energetic as younger capuchin monkeys, Jeremy and Guy offer something just as rich: a living memory of lives that spanned service, companionship, and now sanctuary.